I have white spots over my body!!

[Tosan]

I have a withe spots over my body my neck, chest, abdomen, and my back. Nothing on my shoulders or any where else. They are just like normal skin but much lighter than my normal skin. It does not hurt or itch.This happened around 3 Years till today. First time I went to a Dermatologist he diagnosed that as Tinea versicolor and he gave me a treatment but it does not work. After that I went to another Dr. He was using a blue light in a dark room. Then, he said it not a Tinea! he said this is something recently new, he gave me the name of the disease but I do not remember it. It is something like (pre or tri macular ____melanin ___), and for a treatment he describe for me a Gel (Acnezoyl 5%) after a week I traveled and I could not contact with him. For 3rd time I went to a Dr. and she also diagnosed  that as Tinea versicolor and she gave me a shampoo and antibiotics and it does not work. Lastly, the fourth Dr. said it is not a Tinea versicolor or fungus. He said, they are probably,  Pityriasis alba or post inflammatory hypoigmentation. He ask me about the diagnose of 2nd Dr. and when I find it he want me to send the name to him, but the problem is I could not find the name. He gave me a shot and we will see. Any idea about what are these spots?

[Tosan]

My Doctor after the examination told me it is not vitiligo or any type of fungus. I also do not expose to the sun a lot.

Thanks a lot!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These white spots can be due to pityriasis versicolor or vitiligo. Apart from vitiligo, it can be idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis. It is 2 to 5-mm flat white spots found on the shins and forearms. It can be due to sun damage or ageing. Treatment options include protection from the sun, cryotherapy, dermabrasion or microdermabrasion, tretinoin cream or pinch grafts of normal pigmented skin. I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.